My Oaks/Derby Week in Photos

This year’s Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby week was definitely memorable to me—from the heartbreaking phone call I made to John Greathouse about his ill-fated filly Devil May Care, to the quiet beauty of the descending twilight on Oaks night, to the thrilling Derby finish of Animal Kingdom and the realization I had scored the biggest triumph of my betting career (which isn’t saying much, but I was still elated!).

It was truly a week I won’t forget. Now, as I’m back to semi-reality on this languid, summer-like day, I feel as if Derby/Oaks week was gone in a flash. As usual, I’m already looking forward to Breeders’ Cup.

Instead of making a top 10 list of memories this year, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite photos from throughout the week. One of my much loved things to do on Derby week is take my little point-and-shoot camera with me to the backstretch of Churchill Downs in the early dawn and snap away at everything I see. And of course, carrying it with me on the big days of Derby and Oaks is also a must.

Without further adieu, here is this year’s Oaks and Derby through my eyes: